There are four levels of steadfastness in the virtue of a monk:
1. who avails himself of all eight factors of the Noble Eightfold Path can be considered
an unshakeable recluse;
2. who avails himself not only of the factors of the Noble Eightfold Path but also
of Right Knowledge and Right Liberation can be considered a pu.n.darika (blue) lotus
monk;
3. who avails himself not only of the factors of the Noble Eightfold Path with Right
Knowledge and Right Liberation but also the Eight Liberations [vimokkha] can be considered
a paduma (white) lotus monk, and;
4. who are refined amongst the monastic community -- i.e. those who are contented
with the four requisites, who are endearing to their fellow monks, hardly ill, achieved
the four absorptions [jhaana] and achieved liberation of mind and wisdom.